06.12.2008

The New South Wales Health Minister John Della Bosca says he accepts the decision handed down by the NSW State Rescue Board (SRB) to transfer the role of the NSW Ambulance Rescue Unit's to the NSW Fire Brigade, but remains disappointed with the decision and will continue looking for ways to expand the role of the state's paramedics.

Seven of the eight-members of the SRB board voted to uphold the decision.

The principal function of the NSW SRB is to ensure the maintenance of efficient and effective rescue services throughout New South Wales The members consitist of representatives of the following.

• the State Emergency Operations Controller;
• the Director General of the State Emergency Service;
• a member of the Police Senior Executive Service nominated by the Commissioner of Police;
• the Commissioner of the New South Wales Fire Brigades;
• the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service;
• the State Superintendent of the Ambulance Service of New South Wales;
• the President of the Volunteer Rescue Association of New South Wales;
• the Chairperson of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Council of New South Wales;   and
• the heads of any other volunteer rescue agencies approved at the time by the Minister.

The State Rescue Board is required to:

• develop policies to promote the provision of comprehensive, balanced and coordinated rescue services throughout the State;
• make recommendations to the Minister on policy matters relating to the provision of rescue services within the State;
• review planning for single incident rescues within the State;
• review and disseminate to relevant agencies technical information relating to rescue operations;
• ensure proper liaison and coordination with Federal and other State organisations in connection with rescue services;
• provide advice and recommendations on the compatibility of rescue equipment, including communications equipment;
• make recommendations to the Minister on the accreditation of rescue units (both permanent and volunteer) for participation in rescue operations;
• make recommendations to the Minister on levels of Government support (including financial assistance under section 60) to volunteer organisations providing rescue services;
• assist in the conduct of training exercises in rescue operations involving the various agencies concerned;
• monitor the training standards of the permanent and volunteer services in rescue;
• review proposals for amendment of legislation relating to rescue and make recommendations to the Minister;  and
• make reports or recommendations to the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister.